U.S. patent application number 16/576722 was filed with the patent office on 2021-03-25 for smart earbud device of an earphone.
The applicant listed for this patent is Hritik Rewaria, Ningombam Aryamann Singh, Sanjeev Kumar Singh, Siya Singh. Invention is credited to Hritik Rewaria, Ningombam Aryamann Singh, Sanjeev Kumar Singh, Siya Singh.
Application Number | 20210092507 16/576722 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000004473323 |
Filed Date | 2021-03-25 |
![](/patent/app/20210092507/US20210092507A1-20210325-D00000.TIF)
![](/patent/app/20210092507/US20210092507A1-20210325-D00001.TIF)
![](/patent/app/20210092507/US20210092507A1-20210325-D00002.TIF)
![](/patent/app/20210092507/US20210092507A1-20210325-D00003.TIF)
United States Patent
Application |
20210092507 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Singh; Ningombam Aryamann ;
et al. |
March 25, 2021 |
SMART EARBUD DEVICE OF AN EARPHONE
Abstract
A smart earbud device including a first bud and a first base is
provided. The smart earbud device comprises a first conductive
connection-separation mechanism coupled to the first bud and the
first base to indicate a first status of a first connection
condition and a first separation condition associated with the
first bud and the first base. The smart earbud device further
comprises an electronic alarm mechanism configured to sound an
alarm signal upon detection of the first separation condition of
the first bud and first base. The smart earbud device further
comprises an electric wire circuit to connect the first conductive
connection-separation mechanism to the electronic alarm mechanism
to enable the electronic alarm mechanism to receive the first
status of the first separation condition from the first conductive
connection-separation mechanism.
Inventors: |
Singh; Ningombam Aryamann;
(Chandimandir, IN) ; Rewaria; Hritik; (Panchkula,
IN) ; Singh; Siya; (Alpharetta, GA) ; Singh;
Sanjeev Kumar; (Alpharetta, GA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Singh; Ningombam Aryamann
Rewaria; Hritik
Singh; Siya
Singh; Sanjeev Kumar |
Chandimandir
Panchkula
Alpharetta
Alpharetta |
GA
GA |
IN
IN
US
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
1000004473323 |
Appl. No.: |
16/576722 |
Filed: |
September 19, 2019 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04R 1/1066 20130101;
H04R 1/1016 20130101; G08B 21/24 20130101 |
International
Class: |
H04R 1/10 20060101
H04R001/10; G08B 21/24 20060101 G08B021/24 |
Claims
1. A smart earbud device including a first bud and a first base,
comprising: a first conductive connection-separation mechanism
coupled to the first bud and the first base to indicate a first
status of a first connection condition and a first separation
condition associated with the first bud and the first base; an
electronic alarm mechanism configured to sound an alarm signal upon
detection of the first separation condition of the first bud and
first base; and an electric wire circuit to connect the first
conductive connection-separation mechanism to the electronic alarm
mechanism to enable the electronic alarm mechanism to receive the
first status of the first separation condition from the first
conductive connection-separation mechanism, wherein the first
conductive connection-separation mechanism comprises: a first
metallic ring embedded into the first bud near an opening to
frictionally receive the first base; and a first pair of rods
disposed horizontally to provide resilience and coupled to the
first base such that tip regions of the first pair of rods
electrically connect to the first metallic ring.
2. (canceled)
3. The smart earbud device of claim 1, further comprising: a second
bud; a second base; and a second conductive connection-separation
mechanism coupled to the second bud and the second base to indicate
a second status of a second connection condition and a second
separation condition associated with the second bud and the second
base.
4. The smart earbud device of claim 3, wherein the second
conductive connection-separation mechanism comprises: a second
metallic ring embedded into the second bud near an opening to
frictionally receive the second base; and a second pair of rods
disposed horizontally to provide resilience and coupled to the
second base such that tip regions of the second pair of rods
electrically connect to the second metallic ring.
5. The smart earbud device of claim 1, wherein the electronic alarm
mechanism comprises: a toggle switch to turn OFF an alarm system so
that the electronic alarm mechanism does not sound the alarm signal
and to turn ON the alarm system so that the electronic alarm
mechanism sounds the alarm signal.
6. The smart earbud device of claim 5, wherein the electronic alarm
mechanism comprises: a cell battery to power the alarm system.
7. The smart earbud device of claim 1, wherein the electric wire
circuit comprises: a first wire; a second wire; and a third
wire.
8. The smart earbud device of claim 7, wherein the first wire is
configured to send current from an alarm system of the electronic
alarm mechanism to a first metallic ring embedded into the first
bud near an opening.
9. The smart earbud device of claim 8, wherein the second wire is
configured to send current from a first metallic ring embedded into
the first bud near an opening to a second metallic ring embedded
into the second bud near an opening.
10. The smart earbud device of claim 9, wherein the third wire is
configured to send current from the second metallic ring embedded
into the second bud near the opening to the alarm system of the
electronic alarm mechanism.
11. A method of providing a smart earbud device including a first
bud and a first base, the method comprising: providing a first
conductive connection-separation mechanism coupled to the first bud
and the first base to indicate a first status of a first connection
condition and a first separation condition associated with the
first bud and the first base; providing an electronic alarm
mechanism configured to sound an alarm signal upon detection of the
first separation condition of the first bud and first base; and
providing an electric wire circuit to connect the first conductive
connection-separation mechanism to the electronic alarm mechanism
to enable the electronic alarm mechanism to receive the first
status of the first separation condition from the first conductive
connection-separation mechanism, wherein the first conductive
connection-separation mechanism comprises: a first metallic ring
embedded into the first bud near an opening to frictionally receive
the first base, and 6p1 a first pair of rods disposed horizontally
to provide resilience and coupled to the first base such that tip
regions of the first pair of rods electrically connect to the first
metallic ring.
12. (canceled)
13. The method of claim 11, further comprising: providing a second
bud; providing a second base; and providing a second conductive
connection-separation mechanism coupled to the second bud and the
second base to indicate a second status of a second connection
condition and a second separation condition associated with the
second bud and the second base.
14. The method of claim 13, wherein the second conductive
connection-separation mechanism comprises: a second metallic ring
embedded into the second bud near an opening to frictionally
receive the second base; and a second pair of rods disposed
horizontally to provide resilience and coupled to the second base
such that tip regions of the second pair of rods electrically
connect to the second metallic ring.
15. The method of claim 11, wherein the electronic alarm mechanism
comprises: a toggle switch to turn OFF an alarm system so that the
electronic alarm mechanism does not sound the alarm signal and to
turn ON the alarm system so that the electronic alarm mechanism
sounds the alarm signal.
16. The method of claim 15, wherein the electronic alarm mechanism
comprises: a cell battery to power the alarm system.
17. The method of claim 11, wherein the electric wire circuit
comprises: a first wire; a second wire; and a third wire, wherein
the first wire is configured to send current from an alarm system
of the electronic alarm mechanism to a first metallic ring embedded
into the first bud near an opening, wherein the second wire is
configured to send current from a first metallic ring embedded into
the first bud near an opening to a second metallic ring embedded
into the second bud near an opening, and wherein the third wire is
configured to send current from the second metallic ring embedded
into the second bud near the opening to the alarm system of the
electronic alarm mechanism
18. An earphone, comprising: a first smart earbud device; and a
second smart earbud device, wherein the first smart earbud device
comprises: an earbud cup; an earbud head, wherein the earbud cup is
configured to be retained on the earbud head; and means for keeping
the earbud cup retained on the earbud head such that release of the
earbud cup from the earbud head is electronically detected, wherein
the earbud cup further comprises: a metallic ring in a form of a
round spring, the round spring is embedded in a body of the earbud
cup such that an inner side of the round spring is exposed to
electrically contact with another metal or conductive component,
and a hollow channel for sound to reach an ear of a user.
19. (canceled)
20. The earphone of claim 18, wherein the earbud head further
comprises: a first wire tip and a second wire tip to electrically
contact the round spring.
Description
BACKGROUND
1. Field
[0001] Aspects of the present invention relate to two smart earbuds
of an earphone in which for an unintentional/accidental situation
first and second metallic rings would be removed/separated from a
circuit, causing the circuit to break and ring an alarm.
2. Description of the Related Art
[0002] Use of audio earpieces that include an ear bud which is
configured to be received in the ear of a user of a personal
electronic device is well known. Unintentionally an earbud cup of
an earbud may get removed from the earphone and drop or get lost.
Without an earbud cup the earbud becomes not very useful and a user
may have to discard the whole earphone, incurring cost to buy a new
earphone to replace the original one. This is a serious problem as
the earbud cup is designed to mount in an earbud head loosely so it
can be changed with other size earcups. Loosing just one earbud cup
renders the whole earphone useless.
[0003] Smart means for keeping an earbud cup of an earbud retained
on an earbud head such that they are not inadvertently lost are
needed.
SUMMARY
[0004] Briefly described, aspects of the present invention relate
to two smart earbuds of an earphone in which for an
unintentional/accidental situation first and second metallic rings
would be removed/separated from a circuit, causing the circuit to
break and ring an alarm. Smart means for keeping an earbud cup of
an earbud retained on an earbud head are provided such that when
they are detached inadvertently they are not lost. This way by
avoiding loosing of an earbud cup does not render the whole
earphone useless.
[0005] In accordance with one illustrative embodiment of the
present invention, a smart earbud device including a first bud and
a first base is provided. The smart earbud device comprises a first
conductive connection-separation mechanism coupled to the first bud
and the first base to indicate a first status of a first connection
condition and a first separation condition associated with the
first bud and the first base. The smart earbud device further
comprises an electronic alarm mechanism configured to sound an
alarm signal upon detection of the first separation condition of
the first bud and first base. The smart earbud device further
comprises an electric wire circuit to connect the first conductive
connection-separation mechanism to the electronic alarm mechanism
to enable the electronic alarm mechanism to receive the first
status of the first separation condition from the first conductive
connection-separation mechanism.
[0006] In accordance with another illustrative embodiment of the
present invention, a method of providing a smart earbud device
including a first bud and a first base is provided. The method
comprises providing a first conductive connection-separation
mechanism coupled to the first bud and the first base to indicate a
first status of a first connection condition and a first separation
condition associated with the first bud and the first base;
providing an electronic alarm mechanism configured to sound an
alarm signal upon detection of the first separation condition of
the first bud and first base; and providing an electric wire
circuit to connect the first conductive connection-separation
mechanism to the electronic alarm mechanism to enable the
electronic alarm mechanism to receive the first status of the first
separation condition from the first conductive
connection-separation mechanism.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic of two smart earbuds of an
earphone in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present
invention.
[0008] FIG. 2 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a smart earbud
of an earphone in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the
present invention.
[0009] FIG. 3 illustrates a flow chart of a method of providing a
smart earbud device in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of
the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0010] To facilitate an understanding of embodiments, principles,
and features of the present invention, they are explained
hereinafter with reference to implementation in illustrative
embodiments. In particular, they are described in the context of a
type of indicator having a symbol that displays a charge port pin
format, a pointer that points to a physical location of the charge
port and a marker that indicates a type of a plug to be used in the
charge port for charging the electric vehicle. Embodiments of the
present invention, however, are not limited to use in the described
devices or methods.
[0011] The components and materials described hereinafter as making
up the various embodiments are intended to be illustrative and not
restrictive. Many suitable components and materials that would
perform the same or a similar function as the materials described
herein are intended to be embraced within the scope of embodiments
of the present invention.
[0012] FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic of two smart earbuds 105(1-2)
of an earphone 107 in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of
the present invention. A first smart earbud device 105(1) is a
smart earbud device including a first bud 110(1) and a first base
112(1). The first smart earbud device 105(1) comprises a first
conductive connection-separation mechanism 115(1) coupled to the
first bud 110(1) and the first base 112(1) to indicate a first
status 117(1) of a first connection condition 120(1) and a first
separation condition 122(1) associated with the first bud 110(1)
and the first base 112(1). The first smart earbud device 105(1)
further comprises an electronic alarm mechanism 125 configured to
sound an alarm signal 127 upon detection of the first separation
condition 122(1) of the first bud 110(1) and the first base 112(1).
The first smart earbud device 105(1) further comprises an electric
wire circuit 130 to connect the first conductive
connection-separation mechanism 115(1) to the electronic alarm
mechanism 125 to enable the electronic alarm mechanism 125 to
receive the first status 117(1) of the first separation condition
122(1) from the first conductive connection-separation mechanism
115(1).
[0013] The first conductive connection-separation mechanism 115(1)
comprises a first metallic ring 135(1) embedded into the first bud
110(1) near an opening to frictionally receive the first base
112(1). The first conductive connection-separation mechanism 115(1)
further comprises a first pair of rods 137(1-2) disposed
horizontally to provide resilience and coupled to the first base
112(1) such that tip regions of the first pair of rods 137(1-2)
electrically connect to the first metallic ring 135(1).
[0014] The first metallic ring 135(1) is a thin wire/conductor that
is fixed in the first smart earbud device 105(1) to pass a current
140 through it and complete the circuit 130. When the earbuds are
removed, breaking of the circuit takes place and alarm rings.
[0015] A second smart earbud device 105(2) comprises a second bud
110(2), a second base 112(2) and a second conductive
connection-separation mechanism 115(2) coupled to the second bud
110(2) and the second base 112(2) to indicate a second status
117(2) of a second connection condition 120(2) and a second
separation condition 122(2) associated with the second bud 110(2)
and the second base 112(2). The second conductive
connection-separation mechanism 115(2) comprises a second metallic
ring 135(2) embedded into the second bud 110(2) near an opening to
frictionally receive the second base 112(2). The second conductive
connection-separation mechanism 115(2) further comprises a second
pair of rods 137(3-4) disposed horizontally to provide resilience
and coupled to the second base 112(2) such that tip regions of the
second pair of rods 137(3-4) electrically connect to the second
metallic ring 135(2).
[0016] In the first smart earbud device 105(1), the electronic
alarm mechanism 125 comprises a toggle switch (not shown) to turn
OFF an alarm system so that the electronic alarm mechanism 125 does
not sound the alarm signal 127 and to turn ON the alarm system so
that the electronic alarm mechanism 125 sounds the alarm signal
127. The electronic alarm mechanism 125 comprises a cell battery
150 to power the alarm system.
[0017] In the first smart earbud device 105(1), the electric wire
circuit 130 comprises a first wire 152(1), a second wire 152(2) and
a third wire 152(3). The first wire 152(1) is configured to send
the current 140 from an alarm system of the electronic alarm
mechanism 125 to the first metallic ring 135(1) embedded into the
first bud 110(1) near an opening. The second wire 152(2) is
configured to send the current 140 from the first metallic ring
135(1) embedded into the first bud 110(1) near an opening to the
second metallic ring 135(2) embedded into the second bud 110(2)
near an opening. The third wire 152(3) is configured to send the
current 140 from the second metallic ring 135(2) embedded into the
second bud 110(2) near the opening to the alarm system of the
electronic alarm mechanism 125.
[0018] The second wire 152(2) is used to make the whole circuit 130
a series circuit. In this way, even if one of the smart earbuds
105(1-2) is removed, the whole circuit 130 breaks and the alarm
signal 127 rings.
[0019] Current travels from the alarm system (consisting of a
battery and an alarm) to the first wire 152(1). Ends of the first
wire 152(1) touch the first metallic ring 135(1) for conduction.
The first metallic ring 135(1) is attached to the first base 112(1)
for completing the circuit 130. Current then travels from the first
metallic ring 135(1) to the second wire 152(2) (the second wire
152(2) is used to send the current 140 to both the smart earbuds
105(1-2)). This makes the whole circuit 130 a series circuit. Ends
of the second wire 152(2) touch the second metallic ring 135(2) for
conduction. (the second metallic ring 135(2) is attached to the
second base 112(2) for completing the circuit 130). Current then
travels from the second metallic ring 135(2) to the third wire
152(3). This sends the current 140 back to the alarm system and
completes the circuit 130.
[0020] If, for any reason (intentional/unintentional) the first bud
110(1) is removed from the first base 112(1), then the following
would happen:
[0021] INTENTIONAL: If the removal of the first bud 110(1) is
intentional, for example: for exchanging the first bud 110(1), then
the user can simply switch off the whole circuit 130 by using the
on/off switch in the alarm system and switch it on later if they
want to.
[0022] UNINTENTIONAL/ACCIDENTAL: If the removal of the first or
second buds 110(1, 2) is unintentional/accidental, then the first
and the second metallic rings 135(1-2) would be removed/separated
from the circuit 130, causing the circuit 130 to break and the and
the alarm signal 127 rings.
[0023] Magnetic effect caused due to the wires 152(1-3) should not
affect the overall working of the earphone 107 as its magnitude
would be very less. The first and the second metallic rings
135(1-2) are to be connected in an inner circle for easy insertion
and removal of the earbuds 105(1-2) and for the completion of
circuit 130. Markings would be made in the first or second buds
110(1, 2) so that a user can insert the first or second buds 110(1,
2) in a way that the circuit 130 gets completed. Markings would
also be made on the earphone 107.
[0024] FIG. 2 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a smart earbud
device 200 of an earphone in accordance with an exemplary
embodiment of the present invention. Smart means are provided for
keeping an earbud cup 205 of the smart earbud device 200 retained
on an earbud head 207 such that it is not inadvertently lost.
[0025] The earbud cup 205 comprises a metallic ring in a form of a
round spring 210 embedded in a body of the earbud cup 205 such that
an inner side 212 of the round spring 210 is exposed to
electrically contact with another metal or conductive component.
The earbud cup 205 further comprises a hollow channel 215 for sound
to reach an ear of a user.
[0026] The earbud head 207 comprises a first wire tip 220(1) and a
second wire tip 220(2) to electrically contact the round spring
210. The first wire tip 220(1) and the second wire tip 220(2)
embedded in a body of the earbud head 207 such that they complete a
connection of the circuit 130. The first wire tip 220(1) and the
second wire tip 220(2) may be shaped as half cylindrical. The first
wire tip 220(1) and the second wire tip 220(2) are separated by one
another with a gap 225. The first wire tip 220(1) and the second
wire tip 220(2) are connected to the wires 152(1-3) depending upon
if the smart earbud 200 is a left earbud or a right earbud of the
earphone 107. The earbud head 207 comprises a speaker and/or a
microphone 230.
[0027] FIG. 3 illustrates a flow chart of a method 300 of providing
the smart earbud device 200 in accordance with an exemplary
embodiment of the present invention. Reference is made to the
elements and features described in FIGS. 1-2. It should be
appreciated that some steps are not required to be performed in any
particular order, and that some steps are optional.
[0028] The method 300 comprises a step 305 of providing a smart
earbud device including a first bud and a first base wherein the
smart earbud device 200 comprises a first conductive
connection-separation mechanism coupled to the first bud and the
first base to indicate a first status of a first connection
condition and a first separation condition associated with the
first bud and the first base. The method 300 comprises a step 310
of providing an electronic alarm mechanism configured to sound an
alarm signal upon detection of the first separation condition of
the first bud and first base. The method 300 comprises a step 315
of providing an electric wire circuit to connect the first
conductive connection-separation mechanism to the electronic alarm
mechanism to enable the electronic alarm mechanism to receive the
first status of the first separation condition from the first
conductive connection-separation mechanism. The method 300 further
comprises providing a second bud, providing a second base and
providing a second conductive connection-separation mechanism
coupled to the second bud and the second base to indicate a second
status of a second connection condition and a second separation
condition associated with the second bud and the second base.
[0029] While embodiments of the present invention have been
disclosed in exemplary forms, it will be apparent to those skilled
in the art that many modifications, additions, and deletions can be
made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the
invention and its equivalents, as set forth in the following
claims.
[0030] Embodiments and the various features and advantageous
details thereof are explained more fully with reference to the
non-limiting embodiments that are illustrated in the accompanying
drawings and detailed in the following description. Descriptions of
well-known starting materials, processing techniques, components
and equipment are omitted so as not to unnecessarily obscure
embodiments in detail. It should be understood, however, that the
detailed description and the specific examples, while indicating
preferred embodiments, are given by way of illustration only and
not by way of limitation. Various substitutions, modifications,
additions and/or rearrangements within the spirit and/or scope of
the underlying inventive concept will become apparent to those
skilled in the art from this disclosure.
[0031] As used herein, the terms "comprises," "comprising,"
"includes," "including," "has," "having" or any other variation
thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion. For
example, a process, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of
elements is not necessarily limited to only those elements but may
include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such
process, article, or apparatus.
[0032] Additionally, any examples or illustrations given herein are
not to be regarded in any way as restrictions on, limits to, or
express definitions of, any term or terms with which they are
utilized. Instead, these examples or illustrations are to be
regarded as being described with respect to one particular
embodiment and as illustrative only. Those of ordinary skill in the
art will appreciate that any term or terms with which these
examples or illustrations are utilized will encompass other
embodiments which may or may not be given therewith or elsewhere in
the specification and all such embodiments are intended to be
included within the scope of that term or terms.
[0033] In the foregoing specification, the invention has been
described with reference to specific embodiments. However, one of
ordinary skill in the art appreciates that various modifications
and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the
invention.
[0034] Accordingly, the specification and figures are to be
regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense, and
all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope
of invention.
[0035] Although the invention has been described with respect to
specific embodiments thereof, these embodiments are merely
illustrative, and not restrictive of the invention. The description
herein of illustrated embodiments of the invention is not intended
to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms
disclosed herein (and in particular, the inclusion of any
particular embodiment, feature or function is not intended to limit
the scope of the invention to such embodiment, feature or
function). Rather, the description is intended to describe
illustrative embodiments, features and functions in order to
provide a person of ordinary skill in the art context to understand
the invention without limiting the invention to any particularly
described embodiment, feature or function. While specific
embodiments of, and examples for, the invention are described
herein for illustrative purposes only, various equivalent
modifications are possible within the spirit and scope of the
invention, as those skilled in the relevant art will recognize and
appreciate. As indicated, these modifications may be made to the
invention in light of the foregoing description of illustrated
embodiments of the invention and are to be included within the
spirit and scope of the invention. Thus, while the invention has
been described herein with reference to particular embodiments
thereof, a latitude of modification, various changes and
substitutions are intended in the foregoing disclosures, and it
will be appreciated that in some instances some features of
embodiments of the invention will be employed without a
corresponding use of other features without departing from the
scope and spirit of the invention as set forth. Therefore, many
modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or
material to the essential scope and spirit of the invention.
[0036] Respective appearances of the phrases "in one embodiment,"
"in an embodiment," or "in a specific embodiment" or similar
terminology in various places throughout this specification are not
necessarily referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the
particular features, structures, or characteristics of any
particular embodiment may be combined in any suitable manner with
one or more other embodiments. It is to be understood that other
variations and modifications of the embodiments described and
illustrated herein are possible in light of the teachings herein
and are to be considered as part of the spirit and scope of the
invention.
[0037] In the description herein, numerous specific details are
provided, such as examples of components and/or methods, to provide
a thorough understanding of embodiments of the invention. One
skilled in the relevant art will recognize, however, that an
embodiment may be able to be practiced without one or more of the
specific details, or with other apparatus, systems, assemblies,
methods, components, materials, parts, and/or the like. In other
instances, well-known structures, components, systems, materials,
or operations are not specifically shown or described in detail to
avoid obscuring aspects of embodiments of the invention. While the
invention may be illustrated by using a particular embodiment, this
is not and does not limit the invention to any particular
embodiment and a person of ordinary skill in the art will recognize
that additional embodiments are readily understandable and are a
part of this invention.
[0038] Although the steps, operations, or computations may be
presented in a specific order, this order may be changed in
different embodiments. In some embodiments, to the extent multiple
steps are shown as sequential in this specification, some
combination of such steps in alternative embodiments may be
performed at the same time.
[0039] Embodiments described herein can be implemented in the form
of control logic in software or hardware or a combination of both.
The control logic may be stored in an information storage medium,
such as a computer-readable medium, as a plurality of instructions
adapted to direct an information processing device to perform a set
of steps disclosed in the various embodiments. Based on the
disclosure and teachings provided herein, a person of ordinary
skill in the art will appreciate other ways and/or methods to
implement the invention.
[0040] It will also be appreciated that one or more of the elements
depicted in the drawings/figures can also be implemented in a more
separated or integrated manner, or even removed or rendered as
inoperable in certain cases, as is useful in accordance with a
particular application.
[0041] Benefits, other advantages, and solutions to problems have
been described above with regard to specific embodiments. However,
the benefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any
component(s) that may cause any benefit, advantage, or solution to
occur or become more pronounced are not to be construed as a
critical, required, or essential feature or component.
* * * * *